Herkimer High School holds commencement ceremony

The Herkimer Central School District 2012 commencement ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon at Myers Park. Families and friends gathered at the park to watch graduates walk across the stage. The Mohawk Valley Chamber Bass played the Prelude march as students were lead into the park by the Mohawk Fra...

By Nichole Grant

The Telegram

By Nichole Grant

Posted Jun. 26, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 26, 2012 at 9:31 AM

By Nichole Grant

Posted Jun. 26, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 26, 2012 at 9:31 AM

HERKIMER, N.Y.

The Herkimer Central School District 2012 commencement ceremony was held on Saturday afternoon at Myers Park. Families and friends gathered at the park to watch graduates walk across the stage.

The Mohawk Valley Chamber Bass played the Prelude march as students were lead into the park by the Mohawk Frasers Bag Pipe Ensemble. Once the students made their way across the park, Board of Education President John J. Cipriano addressed students with a short speech that reminded all the students that they are capable of accomplishing great things. During his speech, Cipriano stated, “never accept mediocrity in yourself or in your fellow graduates, only accept your best.”

Student Class President and Salutatorian Cara Tomaso addressed the class with inspiring words of wisdom. Tomaso quoted Eleanor Roosevelt and said, “do one thing every day that scares you.” Tomaso then went on to explain to fellow students they should not fear the future ahead. “I propose we embrace the changes that will turn our lives upside down and always take advantage of every opportunity that comes to life, stated Tomaso.

Student Council President Brooke Rando acknowledged all the great opportunities that were offered at Herkimer Central School. Rando said, “I’m thankful for all the hard to come by opportunities that the Herkimer School District has presented upon us. Rando added, “I’m very proud of our Football team who brought us all the way to the dome as well as the music program students who participated in this years NYSSMA competition. “I’m truly proud of our class and I know as students, we will always have an unconditional love for Herkimer High School.”

Herkimer Sr./Jr. High School nurse Mary Ellen Clark introduced Valedictorian Kaylyn Woodrick. Clark explained to friends and family why Woodrick is one of the most kind hearted person that anyone could ever meet. “Kaylyn is caring, community minded, and puts others first. She’s one person who, just gets it. In 2009, My mother died and at the Funeral home during calling hours Kaylyn presented me with one of the loveliest acts of kindness. She brought a plate full of homemade cookies. Every time I needed to hold my composure I would sneak a cookie. Those cookies helped me to get through one of the hardest day’s of my life and because of that I will forever hold her kindness close to my heart, stated Clark.”

Class Valedictorian Kaylyn Woodrick said, “the Herkimer class of 2012 does not take no for an answer, we accept the responsibilities that allow us to get the job done.” Woodrick went on to say, “Our class is like a six string guitar, when all of the cords are strung we bring joy to our class. Woodrick explained the six strings of the guitar are representative of the Herkimer 2012 class. “The six qualities that represent our class are resilience, integrity, recollection, acuity, spirit, and courage. These six qualities representing guitar strings have helped us to create the most enjoyable music.” Leaving the class with an after thought Woodrick said, “Whatever we choose to do next each one of us must remember the six string guitar that has made us who we are.”

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Master of Ceremonies and Herkimer Sr./Jr. High School Principle Terry M. Dangle said, “always look to the future and clear your mind of doubt, if don’t believe you can do it, who will.” He then went on to end the ceremony with a closing remark by Dr. Suess. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one who'll decide where to go.”